Singularity.FM Donald J. Robertson on How to Think Like Socrates in the Age of AI
Jan 9, 2025
Donald J. Robertson, a Scottish author and philosopher, combines ancient wisdom with modern psychology. He discusses how Socratic thought remains relevant today, especially amid technological advancements like AI. Robertson connects Stoicism to cognitive behavioral therapy, advocating for emotional resilience and the importance of questioning beliefs. They explore AI's complex relationships with human values and the necessity for independent thinking. Highlighting the power of storytelling, they emphasize its role in shaping our understanding in an increasingly tech-driven world.
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Socrates' Four Wisdom Steps
- Socrates taught wise men to manage adversity with four cognitive strategies.
- They avoid rushing to judgment and focus on problem-solving calmly and clearly.
CBT Validates Stoic Emotional Model
- Modern cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) largely validates Stoic ideas on how beliefs shape emotions.
- By changing irrational beliefs, we can change associated emotions effectively.
Naming Son Hector After Greek Hero
- Donald Robertson named his son Hector after the Greek hero for cultural heritage reasons.
- He writes his books imagining his children will read and learn from them.